Day 24 of the menstrual cycle
In short: what happens on day 24?
Day 24 of the menstrual cycle is when, without a pregnancy, progesterone and oestrogen fall noticeably. This drop can make PMS symptoms worse. If you are pregnant, hCG starts to reach measurable levels in the blood; however, for home urine tests, waiting until your period is late gives the most accurate result.
Day 24 of the menstrual cycle – animated explainer
Day 24: cycle dial, uterus and ovaries, hormone levels (illustrative animation).
What the animation shows
- FSH
- Follicle-stimulating hormone: starts the growth of follicles in the ovary
- LH
- Luteinising hormone: its sudden surge triggers ovulation
- E2
- Oestrogen (oestradiol): thickens the lining of the uterus
- P4
- Progesterone: prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy
- BBT
- Thermometer and dots below: basal body temperature
- RING
- Coloured ring: the 28-day cycle and its phases; the green arc marks the fertile days
- MM
- The measurement in the uterus shows lining thickness; in the ovary it shows follicle or corpus luteum size
Phase
Luteal phase
Chance of pregnancy
Very low
Uterine lining
14 mm
Corpus luteum
19 mm
FSH
18
LH
17
Oestrogen
50
Basal body temperature
36.75°C
What is happening in your body today?
The corpus luteum starts to shrink. The uterine lining prepares to be shed with your period.
Hormones
Progesterone and oestrogen fall.
How you might feel
You may have bloating, tiredness, irritability and changes in sleep.
Chance of pregnancy
The chance of pregnancy is very low.
Tips for today
- If an early test is negative and your period is late, test again
- Breathing exercises and meditation reduce stress
- Drinking enough water and eating fibre ease bloating
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have severe one-sided abdominal pain with spotting (especially if you could be pregnant).
Menstrual cycle day by day: table
| Day | What happens | Fertile window |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | First Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 2 | Heaviest Bleeding Day | — |
| Day 3 | FSH Rises, Follicles Grow | — |
| Day 4 | Bleeding Eases, Oestrogen Rises | — |
| Day 5 | Last Day of Your Period | — |
| Day 6 | Follicular Phase Begins | — |
| Day 7 | Dominant Follicle Is Selected | — |
| Day 8 | Oestrogen Rises, Fertile Window Nears | Low |
| Day 9 | Fertile Window Begins | Moderate |
| Day 10 | Fertile Window, Higher Pregnancy Odds | Moderate |
| Day 11 | 3 Days Before Ovulation | High |
| Day 12 | Oestrogen Nears Its Peak | High |
| Day 13 | LH Surge: Ovulation Is Near | Highest |
| Day 14 | Ovulation Day | Highest |
| Day 15 | Luteal Phase Begins | Moderate |
| Day 16 | Progesterone Rises | Low |
| Day 17 | Luteal Phase and Increased Appetite | — |
| Day 18 | Breast Tenderness May Start | — |
| Day 19 | Implantation Window Opens | — |
| Day 20 | Implantation Bleeding Possible | — |
| Day 21 | Progesterone Peak (Day 21 Test) | — |
| Day 22 | Mid-Luteal Phase | — |
| Day 23 | PMS Symptoms May Start | — |
| Day 24 | Hormones Start to Fall | — |
| Day 25 | Late Luteal Phase and PMS | — |
| Day 26 | Progesterone Drop and Cramps | — |
| Day 27 | 1 Day Before Your Period | — |
| Day 28 | Last Day of Your Cycle | — |
Frequently asked questions
Can you take a pregnancy test on day 24 of your cycle?
Sensitive tests may sometimes show a positive, but a negative result does not rule out pregnancy. The most reliable result comes after your period is late.
When does a blood pregnancy test (beta-hCG) turn positive?
It can turn positive about 10–12 days after ovulation – around days 24–26 of a 28-day cycle.
Why do you feel tired before your period?
Falling hormone levels and disrupted sleep can leave you feeling tired.
Gynaecology check-ups and follow-up at SoftCare Clinic
Book an appointment with our specialist doctors for irregular periods, painful periods or pregnancy planning.
The information on this page is general guidance based on a typical 28-day cycle and does not replace a medical examination. It should not be used as a method of contraception.
Medical content editor: Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus